ZeroTier links US agencies to post-quantum secure networks

For more than two decades, existing cryptographic security standards have protected US agencies, but the rapid advancement of quantum computing now threatens to undermine that protection. ZeroTier and Carahsoft are partnering to offer a solution: a software-defined network capable of deploying highly secure connections in minutes, rather than through lengthy traditional buildouts.

“Through Carahsoft’s strength and reach, agencies can more easily access ZeroTier’s platforms through established procurement channels to rapidly accelerate their deployments,” says Andrew Gault, ZeroTier CEO. This collaboration aims to provide a practical path to end-to-end quantum-secure networking for government organizations facing an increasingly dynamic threat environment.

ZeroTier and Carahsoft Enable Public Sector Post-Quantum Network Access

The vulnerability of current encryption standards to emerging quantum computing capabilities is no longer a distant threat; it demands immediate attention from government agencies, according to ZeroTier leadership. Robert Stevenson, Chief Commercial Officer at ZeroTier, said that “The White House and international security agencies are clear: the threat of quantum computing cracking modern encryption isn’t a future problem; it’s a today problem,” emphasizing the urgency driving the development of their post-quantum solutions.

This assessment underscores a critical shift in cybersecurity preparedness, moving beyond theoretical risks to address present-day vulnerabilities exploited by advanced adversaries. ZeroTier designed its Quantum platform to enable high-performance, resilient capabilities and to provide a robust quantum defense capability, acknowledging the need for proactive measures. ZeroTier addresses the challenge of rapidly deploying secure networks with a software-defined approach that differs sharply from traditional, lengthy buildouts.

Agencies can now deploy highly secure networks in minutes, a capability crucial in a dynamic threat environment where agility is paramount. This speed is facilitated by a partnership with Carahsoft Technology Corp, which will leverage its established procurement channels to accelerate ZeroTier deployments for government organizations. Andrew Gault, CEO of ZeroTier, explained that public sector agencies are operating in a threat environment that is more distributed, more dynamic, and more demanding than ever, necessitating this accelerated access to advanced security solutions.

The company’s platform utilizes a memory-safe Rust architecture and implements hybrid ML-KEM-1024 and ECDH P-384 cryptography to mitigate both ‘harvest now, decrypt later’ and ‘trust now, forge later’ attacks. The ZeroTier Quantum platform is designed to meet stringent standards, including NIST and NSA CNSA 2.0 requirements, ensuring high performance and infrastructure-agnostic connectivity.

This allows government agencies to maintain data sovereignty and operational continuity across diverse environments, from public cloud deployments to air-gapped systems. Beyond simply meeting compliance deadlines, ZeroTier Quantum provides a practical path to adopting NIST-approved post-quantum cryptography well ahead of schedule. For emerging technologies like drones, sensors, and software-defined vehicles reliant on Communication Security, the platform embeds post-quantum resilience directly into the system, offering a proactive layer of protection.

In software applications, ZeroTier Quantum integrates directly to enable rapid adoption of post-quantum cryptography while enhancing security and operational agility. For legacy infrastructure and High Value Assets, ZeroTier Quantum offers a secure overlay, enabling immediate modernization without the cost and complexity of complete system replacement.

Mark Demerse, Sales Director overseeing the ZeroTier Team at Carahsoft, noted that “Government agencies are evaluating technologies that strengthen cyber resilience while preparing for the transition to post-quantum security.” Carahsoft and ZeroTier are working together, along with reseller partners, to help agencies accelerate network modernization, enhance cyber resilience, and simplify the transition to post-quantum security with faster deployment and reduced complexity. ZeroTier’s solutions are available through Carahsoft’s SEWP V contracts NNG15SC03B and NNG15SC27B, further streamlining access for public sector organizations.